The Offering of Cain

The Offering of Cain

(Hebrews 11: 4)

Introduction

A. The Bible says that Abel offered "the most excellent sacrifice" ...
B. This implies that Cain's sacrifice was excellent.
C. But Abel's was more excellent.
D. This generates some questions ...
E.  How is it possible that Cain could have delivered an excellent sacrifice?
F.  What characteristics did Cain's sacrifice need to have to be excellent?
G.  If it was excellent, why did the Lord not accept it?

[Probably Cain's sacrifice was excellent because ...]

Maybe he gave his best effort.
A. His offering came from the fruit of the earth (Genesis 4: 3).
B. Harvesting the fruit of the earth was not an easy activity after the punishment of God (Genesis 3: 17-19).
C. From this perspective, it might be easier to raise sheep, than to plant.
D. His offering was not accepted ...Although perhaps he gave his best effort.
E. Sometimes giving the most effort is not the most excellent thing (Luke 17:10).
F. What is expected of those who give the least effort?
 
 Maybe he gave his best fruit
A. His offering was for the Father who created the garden (Genesis 4: 3) ...
B. The garden of Eden was a place full of beautiful fruits (Genesis 2: 9).
C. So Cain had to bring a quality fruit. At the height of the fruits that were possible that God created.
D. Although perhaps he gave the best fruit, even so his offering was not accepted ...
E. Sometimes giving the best is not the most excellent thing (Isaiah 1: 11-14).
F. What is expected of those who give the leftovers, (what we do not want)?

Maybe he gave generously
A. His offering was for a generous Adonai (Genesis 4: 3) ...
B. Adonai was generous with man (Genesis 2:16, 20-21).
C. So Cain should have been generous with his offering.
D. Although he may have generously given, yet his offering was not accepted ...
E. Sometimes giving a lot is not the most excellent thing (Mark 12: 41-44).
F. What is expected of those we give poorly?


[Although Cain's offering was excellent, God did not accept it because ...]

4. His offering was not what God asked.
A. We know that God specified what kind of offering he wanted ...
B. Abel offered by faith (Hebrews 11: 4).
C. Faith comes from hearing the word of  Adonai(Romans 10:17).
D.Therefore, Abel offered what Adonai asked.
E. Although Abel's offering was excellent, he did not offer what Adonai asked ...
F. His offering lacked faith.
G. His offering was not what Adonai asked.

Conclusion
A. Many are giving offerings like Cain's ...
B. They make a great effort worshiping Adonai.
C. But they do not worship in the way that Adonai asks.
D. Many are giving offerings less than Cain ...
E. They make a poor effort.
F. They give worship of poor quality.
G. They are petty with the work of Adonai.
We must remember that ...
I. True worshipers worship with the spirit (John 4:24).
J. True worshipers worship according to the truth.
K. Then we will be able to offer a more excellent sacrifice.